Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF SNOW AND ICE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001) This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional
Application No. 60/409,169, filed September 9, 2002, entitled "APPARATUS FOR
TREATMENT OF SNOW AND ICE," which is incorporated in its entirety herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002) The present invention relates generally to a vehicle for treatment of
snow and/or
ice on a surface such as a roadway.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(0003] The treatment of snow and ice covered roadways has included devices for
the
pre-treatment and treatment of road surfaces in connection with the
accumulation of snow
or ice thereon. Response time is especially important as winter storm
conditions can change
quickly. The process of pre-treating roadways, also referred to as "anti-
icing," with liquid
solutions before the arrival of freezing rain or snow has served to improve
road surface
conditions during the early stages of a storm. Once the temperature drops or
heavy snowfall
occurs, however, the more conventional process of spreading granular
materials, such as,
salt and/or sand, for example, also referred to as "de-icing," is typically
relied upon to
maintain road surfaces for driving.
[0004) Conventional methods for treating snow and ice covered roadways employ
the
use of separate application equipment to dispense granular materials, such as
salt/sand
spreaders, or bulk liquid spray systems, such as skid mounted tank/sprayer
systems or bulk
storage tanker/trailer rigs fitted with spray booms. A conventional method for
delivering
both granular and liquid materials include the combination of a V-box spreader
and a pre-
wet system of liquid storage tanks mounted typically in a dump body or on the
flatbed of a
truck.
[0005] While existing systems for treating snow and ice-covered roadways
provide
many desirable features and advantages, there remain certain problems with
these
combination bodies. For example, current methods require separate vehicles or
add on
trailers to transport and dispense sufficient quantities of both liquid anti-
icing and granular
de-icing materials. Space limitations of this combination of equipment tend to
limit the
volume of either one or both of the de-icing and anti-icing materials. A
traditional V-box
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
2
spreader with a pre-wet system has insufficient capacity to store, transport,
and dispense an
adequate volume of liquid for anti-icing operations without sacrificing the
volume of
granular materials for de-icing carried on the truck. Therefore, frequent
return trips to the
servicing facility are required to reload depleted materials or change out
equipment.
[0006] This method results in delayed or prolonged road treatment, added fuel
and
operator costs, and multiple pieces of equipment. For example, the
conventional systems
can also require an additional cost of manpower to convert the vehicles from
non-ice control
to granular and / or anti-icing modes. Furthermore, loss of property, or even
life, can occur
as a result of the delays associated with the changing of the vehicle from
granular to anti-
icing and back again or with operators moving from one type of truck to
another.
[0007] The methods of towing trailers behind dump trucks or utilizing top
heavy pre-
wetting tanks attached to a spreader system can pose safety hazards for
operators and
travelers on the roadways.
[0008] Current methods require the use of separate or dif~'erent equipment
depending on
air and surface temperatures, the form of precipitation (freezing rain or
snow), timing of the
application (before, during or after the storm), and the method of treatment
selected or best
suited to the road conditions (liquid anti-icing, pre-wet ganular material, or
granular
material only). Therefore, the need to change the equipment treating the
roadways
depending on the weather and/or road conditions can lead to other delays.
Often, the
environmental conditions better treated by anti-icing application can change
in a matter of
minutes to environmental conditions better treated by granular application,
and vice versa.
[0009] An auger has been used to convey the materials being spread by ice
control
equipment, in a "tailgate spreader," for example. However, an auger typically
has a much
narrower effective width, i.e., the width of the auger over which it operates
to convey
material, than what is readily possible with a conventional chain conveyor
system. The
narrower effective width of the auger results in a smaller amount of material
to be
distributed being exposed above the top of the conveyor itself. Materials used
for ice
control (including cinders, sand, salt, etc.) have a tendency to bridge over
the auger and
therefore interrupted /disrupted material flow can result. Also, an auger can
tunnel the
material adjacent to the auger, thereby defining a cylindrical cavity in the
material being
spread.
[0010) On the other hand, chain conveyor systems are susceptible to
maintenance
problems during the off season (cold weather being typically only a few months
of the year
in most instances). For example, the chain can be stationary and easily rust
to the point of
"freezing up," making it un-useable the following season or requiring
considerable
maintenance time to free up the chain. Wear can be great on a chain as aII the
links are
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
exposed to the ice control material being spread. Furthermore, because each
link of the
chain moves, the chain conveyor system has a considerable number of moving
parts which
in turn require a corresponding amount of maintenance.
[0011) In addition, a chain conveyor system can provide spurts of flow
associated with
the flighting bars extending between the chains. Every bar brings a quantity
of material
followed by a period of time with less, or no, material flow. The uneven
discharge flow can
cause "striping" of ice control materials on the pavement and also can require
the spreading
of materials in amounts larger than needed to compensate for this interrupted
flow
characters sti c.
[0012] In view of the foregoing, there exist various needs in the art. One
such need is
for an apparatus which provides improved capacity and integration of anti-
icing and de-
icing materials for winter road maintenance. Another need is for an apparatus
which
achieves a higher level of efficiency and accuracy of the application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENT10N
[0013) The present invention addresses the foregoing and other needs by
providing a
vehicle including a chassis and a storage and dispensing apparatus having a
hopper for
storing granular material, a conveyor assembly for selectively discharging
material stored in
the hopper, a liquid storage system, and a liquid dispensing system for
selectively
dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system. The storage and dispensing
apparatus can
be mounted directly to the chassis or to a body of the vehicle, for instance.
[0014] The body can comprise front and rear ends and first and second side
walls. The
body can be pivotally mounted to the chassis and arranged with a hoist for
pivotal
movement thereof.
[0015) The storage and dispensing apparatus can be disposed within the body.
The
storage and dispensing apparatus can include front and rear ends, first and
second side
walls, and a common wall. The common wall defines a hopper for storing
granular material
and a liquid containment uni-body construction vessel for storing liquid.
Advantageously,
the common wall serves to improve the strength of the combined body while
reducing
weight and costs.
[0016] In one aspect of the invention, the conveyor assembly comprises a pair
of augers
in substantially parallel, spaced relationship to each other. The rear end of
the snow and ice
treatment system has an opening which communicates with the material hopper to
permit
material to be transported therethrough by the dual auger arrangement.
[0017) Advantageously, the dual auger system is a simple mechanical device
which has
fewer moving parts than a chain conveyor system. Cleaning and lubricating the
dual auger
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system is readily accomplished. Each auger can have a single bearing at each
end of the
auger shaft. A direct drive motor can be provided for each auger to rotate the
auger and to
act as one of the bearing supports. A flange-mounted, sealed, self aligning
bearing can
provide support at the other end. A sealed greasing system, either automatic
or manual, for
example, can be provided to extend conveyor system life and to control cost of
maintenance. The sealed lubrication system contains the lubricant, thereby
substantially
preventing lubricant leakage from the conveyor onto the pavement which would
create
environmental concerns.
[0018] The dual auger system can increase the effective width of the conveying
system
by at least doubling the effective width compared to a single auger. By
increasing the
effective width, the likelihood of bridging or tunneling problems occurring is
reduced.
j0019] The dual auger system can provide a substantially uniform flow
throughout the
discharge process, thereby allowing for fine metering of the discharge
materials.
[0020] In another aspect of the invention, the conveyor assembly can include
an endless
chain conveyor disposed between the side walls and extending beyond the rear
end of the
body.
[0021] In one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle includes a liquid
storage
system having a liquid containment vessel for storing liquid. A liquid
dispensing system is
provided for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid containment vessel.
The liquid
dispensing system includes an anti-icing system for selectively dispensing
liquid from the
vehicle and a pre-wetting system for selectively dispensing liquid onto
material being
transported by the endless conveyor out of the vehicle.
[0022] Advantageously, for improved handling and safety, the liquid storage
system can
be configured such that the center of gravity of the vehicle is relatively low
compared to
other prior art devices.
[0023] The sidewalls of the body can each include a plurality of vertical
supports each
having a plurality of openings therethrough. The vertical supports can extend
through the
liquid storage system. The openings allow for liquid to enter into the storage
system and fill
the volume therein. The vertical supports can act as baffles which can inhibit
the forward
and aft movement of the liquid within the storage system during vehicle
acceleration and
deceleration, such as, during vehicle starts and stops, for example.
(0024) In another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided
having a body
which includes a horizontal side brace. In a further aspect of the invention,
the vehicle
includes a liquid storage tank for storing liquid. The liquid storage tank can
include a
groove for accommodating the horizontal side brace of the body. The groove of
the storage
tank can engage the horizontal side brace of the body. The liquid storage tank
can be a part
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
of a system can be mounted to at least one of the chassis and the body, which
includes a
liquid dispensing system.
(0025] In still another aspect of the invention, a vehicle includes a control
system for
monitoring at least one parameter and controlling a liquid dispensing system
depending on
the condition of the at least one parameter.
[0026] Advantageously, to further facilitate the functionality of the
multipurpose body,
the electronic control system is provided to monitor and/or control several
sensors, drive
motors, pumps and conveyors utilizing, for example, input parameters
established by the
equipment owner. Because of the integrated design of the ice-control body, the
body can
readily operate in semi-automatic mode wherein the vehicle operator dispenses
granular
material and/or liquid according to one or more predetermined parameters, such
as, ground
speed, air temperature, surface temperature, surface area to be treated, rate
of precipitation,
form of precipitation, speed of the vehicle, dispensing rate of the liquid,
spray pattern of the
liquid, the dispensing rate of the material, direction and velocity of the
material, and the
spread pattern of the material, for example. The control system can permit
very specific
control of application rates of liquid, granular material or a combination
thereof (3 in 1
control) based on many variables.
(0027] Advantageously, the storage and dispensing apparatus both has improved
capacity and integrates multiple functions is key at the same time whereas
previous devices
involve a sacrifice of liquid and/or granular materials or the need for longer
and/or taller
equipment which is both more expensive and less safe.
(0028] Advantageously, the vehicle can transport and dispense, either
individually or in
any combination, a liquid anti-icing material, a granular de-icing material,
and a pre-wetted
granular de-icing material as road conditions warrant. Sufficient volumes of
the liquid and
the granular material can be contained separately on the vehicle in quantities
substantially
equal to a traditional V-box sander and a bulk liquid tank.
(0029] The vehicle achieves the integration of three typically separate pieces
of
equipment and/or vehicles into a combined, integral system. The "three-in-one
system"
includes a full capacity hopper for storing granular material, a high capacity
anti-icing
system for dispensing liquid onto a surface, and an onboard pre-wetting system
for
dispensing liquid onto granular material as the granular material is being
dispensed from the
vehicle. This combined system maximizes the payload of each material through
improved
utilization of space. The added capacity therefore limits the frequency of
return trips and
reduces the overall cost for fuel, equipment, support personnel and operators.
Also, the
length of the vehicle equipped with the storage and dispensing apparatus of
the present
invention can be shorter than conventional systems because the need for a
trailer is obviated
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
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and/or the space utilization is improved, thereby facilitating the safe
operation of the present
invention.
[0030] The present invention provides a complete integration of all required
containment/storage devices, conveying systems, application systems and
controls. The
inventive vehicle simplifies the complexities of controlling individual
components and
systems for the operator, who must not only operate the equipment but also
drive the
vehicle, as well. In some instances, for example, the operator can be
operating a front-
mounted snow plow and a side-mounted ("wing") snow plow which, combined with
driving
the vehicle, can require his full attention.
[0031] These and other objects and advantages, as well as additional inventive
features,
of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art upon
reading the detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, provided
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including a storage and
dispensing
apparatus mounted in a dump body in accordance with the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the storage and dispensing
apparatus and the
body of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, detail view taken from FIG. 2.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the storage and dispensing apparatus and
the body of
FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the storage and dispensing
apparatus and the
body of FIG. 1.
(0037] FIG. 6 is a perspective view the storage and dispensing apparatus of
FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the storage and dispensing apparatus of
FIG. 6.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.
[0040] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, detail view taken from F1G. 8.
[0041] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 illustrating a pivotable baffle in
an open
position for dispensing granular material.
[0042] FIG. l I is a top plan view similar to FIG. 7 with grate screens
removed from the
storage and dispensing apparatus for illustrative purposes.
j0043] FIG. 12 is a second perspective view of the storage and dispensing
apparatus of
FIG. 6.
[0044] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the storage and dispensing
apparatus of
FIG. 6.
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
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[0045] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13,
illustrating a
hopper in highlighted cross-hatching.
[0046) FIG. 1 S is a view similar to FIG. 14, illustrating a liquid
containment vessel in
highlighted cross-hatching.
[0047) FIG. 16 is a partially broken away, perspective view of the storage and
dispensing apparatus of FIG. 6, illustrating a liquid containment vessel.
[0048] FIG. 17 is a second partially broken away, perspective view of the
storage and
dispensing apparatus of FIG. 6, illustrating pre-wet and anti-icing systems
disposed within a
rear cabinet.
[0049] FIG. 18 is an enlarged, detail view taken from FIG. 17.
[0050] FIG. 19 is a side elevational view, partially broken away, of the
storage and
dispensing apparatus of FIG. 6, illustrating the liquid containment vessel and
a crossover
pipe for re-circulation of anti-icing liquid within the liquid containment
vessel.
[0051) FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of a control unit of a control
system useful in
connection with the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the control unit of FIG. 19.
[0053] FIG. 22 is a generally schematic view of a liquid dispensing system and
a liquid
storage system of the storage and dispensing apparatus of FIG. 6.
[0054] F1G. 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle
including a
chassis and a storage and dispensing apparatus mounted thereto in accordance
with the
present invention.
[0055) FIG. 24 is an end elevational view of another embodiment of a body
having a
liquid storage system in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0056] Turning now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 an illustrative
vehicle 50
for treatment of snow and/or ice on a surface such as a roadway in accordance
with the
present invention.
[0057] Referring to FIG. l, the vehicle 50 includes a chassis 52, a dump body
54, and a
removable storage and dispensing apparatus 56 disposed within the body 54.
[0058] The chassis 52 can include a truck cab 60, a frame 62, and a plurality
of wheels
64. The chassis 52 includes a valve bank 70 for controlling the hydraulic
system of the
vehicle. A cover 72 can be provided to enclose the valve bank 70.
[0059] The body 54 is mounted to the chassis 52. The body 54 includes a front
end 82,
an open rear end 84, and first and second side walls 86, 87, as shown in FIGS.
1 and 2. The
body 54 is generally U-shaped, as shown in FIG. 2. The dump body 54 defines a
cavity 88
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
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for storing materials, such as gravel, dirt, brush or the like. The dump body
54 can be
pivotally connected to the chassis 52 at the rear end 84 of the body 54. A
hoist system can
be provided to move the dump body 54 from a storing position, shown in FIG. 1,
to one of a
range of dumping positions. The illustrative vehicle in FIG. 1 includes an
underbody hoist
system. 1n other embodiments, the hoist can be a telescopic hoist adjacent the
front end of
the body.
(0060] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the storage and dispensing apparatus 56
includes a
hopper 100 for storing material, such as, a granular ice control material, for
example, a
conveyor assembly 102 for selectively transporting material from the hopper
100, a liquid
storage system 104 for storing liquid, such as, an anti-icing liquid, for
example, and a liquid
dispensing system 106 for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid
storage system 104.
[0061] Refernng to FIGS. 1 and 14, the storage and dispensing apparatus 56
includes
front and rear ends 110, 11 l, first and second side walls 114, 115, first and
second common
walls 116, 117, a cabinet wall 120, a bottom 122, and an intermediate base
124. Referring
to FIG. 8, the rear end 111 of the storage and dispensing apparatus 56 has an
opening 128
therein. Referring to F1G. 2, the front and the rear ends can include a
plurality of lifting
eyes 132 for handling the storage and dispensing apparatus 56 with an over
head crane, for
example, to insert the storage and dispensing apparatus into, and remove it
from, the body.
The cabinet wall 120 includes a plurality of apertures 134 for mounting
running lights and
other indicator lights. The cabinet wall 120 can be used to display indicia
136. Refernng to
FIG. 5, the storage and dispensing apparatus 56 can be disposed within the
body 54 with a
rear portion 139 of the storage and dispensing apparatus extending therefrom.
Referring to
FIG. 6, the side walls 114, 115 of the storage and dispensing apparatus 56 can
each include
a plurality of V-crimps l40 extending between the cabinet wall 120 and the
front end 110 to
provide structural rigidity.
/0062] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, the storage and dispensing apparatus 56 can
include
a mounting arm 148 which includes a channel 150 and a round bar 152 extending
therefrom. The mounting arm 148 of the storage and dispensing apparatus can
retentively
engage a pair of jaws 154 extending from the rear end 84 of the body 54 to
retentively
engage the storage and dispensing apparatus 56 and the body 54. The snow/ice
storage and
dispensing apparatus 56 can be disposed within the body 54 for use during
winter months,
for example, for the treatment of roadways in the event of snow and/or ice
accumulation. 1n
non-winter months, the storage and dispensing apparatus 56 can be used with
other granular
and liquid materials to provide dust control, vegetation control and
fertilizer/seeding, for
example. The storage and dispensing apparatus 56 can also be disengaged from
the body
54, with the vehicle being used for other applications.
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
9
[0063) Referring to FIGS. 11 and 14, the common walls 116, 117, the
intermediate base
124, and the front and rear ends 110, 1 I 1 define the hopper 100 for storing
material. The
hopper 100 is shown in cross-hatching 160 in FIG. 14. The first and second
common walls
116, 117 can be disposed at about a 45° to a vertical axis 162. In
other embodiments, the
common wall angle can vary.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 8, the opening 128 of the rear end 111 communicates
with the
material hopper 100. The conveyor assembly 102 is disposed in the material
hopper 100
and extends through the opening 128. The conveyor assembly 102 is configured
to
selectively transport material from the hopper 100 out of the storage and
dispensing
apparatus 56.
[0065] Refernng to FIG. 1 l, the hopper 100 includes a top opening I70 for
receiving
material. Refernng to FIG. 4, a plurality of grate screens 172 can be provided
to cover the
opening 170 of the hopper 100. ?'he grate screens 172 are pivotally mounted to
a central
ridge I 74 extending between the front and rear ends 110, 111. The central
ridge 174 can be
in the form of an 1-beam, as shown in FIG. 14, or a rectangular tube, for
example. Referring
to FIG. 4, an outer edge l 76 of each screen rests on a one of a pair of
ledges 178, 179 of the
first and second side walls 114, 115 of the storage and dispensing apparatus
56. To open
the screens 172, the screens can be pivoted about the central ridge I74 such
that the outer
edge of the screen engages the ledge of the opposing side wall.
[0066] The grate screens 172 can act to prevent larger chunks of material from
entering
the hopper 100. In the winter, for example, granular material is often stored
in a large
stockpile before being loaded onto a vehicle. The granular material can freeze
and form
larger chunks of material. The larger chunks can hinder the flow of material
being
dispensed from the vehicle for treatment of a roadway, for example. With the
screens
covering the top opening of the hopper, an operator can load the hopper by
depositing
granular material onto the grates. Larger chunks tend to roll off the body and
can be broken
up for subsequent use.
[0067] The grates 172 also provide a safety feature in providing a banner
between the
outside of the hopper and the conveyor assembly 102 found therein. In some
embodiments,
the grate screens can be interconnected to the hydraulic system with an
interlock system
such that the screens cannot be opened until the hydraulic system is
disconnected. The
interlock system can be one such as is shown and described in U.S. Patent No.
6,123,276,
issued to Ungerer et al. on September 26, 2000.
[0068] A ladder 188 is provided to facilitate access to the top opening of the
hopper.
The ladder 188 is shown in FIG. 1 in a storage position. A portion of the
ladder 188 can be
folded downward to extend the ladder.
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
(0069) Refernng to FIGS. 8 and 11, the conveyor assembly 102 can act to
selectively
dispense materials from the hopper 100. The conveyor assembly 102 can include
a pair of
augers 200, 201 disposed in substantially parallel, spaced relationship to
each other. Each
auger 200, 201includes a first end 210, a second end 211, and a bladed shaft
212 extending
therebetween. The augers 200, 201 are rotatably mounted to the storage and
dispensing
apparatus 56. The illustrative augers have a diameter of about seven inches.
The
illustrative dual auger arrangement has an effective width of at least
fourteen inches. In
other embodiments, the size of the augers can vary. The augers 200, 201 can be
disposed
apart from each a distance within a predetermined range such that the tendency
for granular
materials to bridge over the augers or for the augers to tunnel in the
granular material is
reduced.
[0070] The first ends 210 of the augers 200, 201 are mounted to the front end
110 of the
storage and dispensing apparatus by a pair of bearing supports 214 each in the
form of a
flange-mount bearing. A stub shaft 216 at the first end of each auger extends
through the
bearing 214 to support the first end 210 of the respective auger 200, 201.
Referring to FIG.
12, a lubrication system 220 can be provided which includes a pair of lines
222, 223 which
extend from the first ends 210 of the augers 200, 201 for lubricating the
bearing supports of
the first ends of the augers.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, the second ends 211 ofthe augers 200, 201
are
mounted to a pair of mounting plates 230, respectively. A pair of motors 232
is provided to
rotate the augers. The auger motors 232 are mounted to the mounting plates
230. The
mounting plates 230 can each cover a hole configured to allow the respective
auger 200,
201 to be inserted therethrough for mounting the augers 200, 201 to the
storage and
dispensing apparatus. Each motor can act as a support bearing for its
respective auger at the
second end 211.
[0072) Refernng to FIG. 8, operation of the motors 232 can convey material
stored in
the hopper 100 in a conveying direction 240 toward the second end 211 of the
augers. The
second ends 21 l of the augers are operably arranged with a discharge chute
250. A portion
244 of the augers 200, 201 extends beyond the rear end 111 toward the cabinet
wall 120.
Material can be conveyed from the hopper l 00 in the conveying direction 240
to the
discharge chute 250, which is disposed below the augers 200, 201. The material
falls from
the augers into the discharge chute 250.
[0073] In other embodiments, the conveyor assembly can include an endless
chain
conveyor, a single auger, three or more augers, one or more belt conveyors,
etc. In yet other
embodiments, the conveyor assembly can be configured to convey material in the
hopper in
a conveying direction toward the front end of the hopper to selectively
dispense material
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
I1
from the front end of the hopper. The front-discharging conveyor assembly can
be useful
for dispensing granular material and/or pre-wetted granular material in front
of the drive
wheels of the chassis to improve the traction of the vehicle and to reduce the
spraying of
these materials on other vehicles on the roadway being treated.
[0074) Refernng to FIG. 9, the discharge chute 250 includes a pivotable baffle
252.
The baffle 252 can be pivoted between a closed position, as shown in FIG. 9,
and an open
position, as shown in FIG. 10. In the closed position, the baffle 252 can
divert material 253
through a bypass chute 254. Putting the baffle 252 in the closed position
allows an operator
to rapidly discharge the contents of the hopper 100 out through the bypass
chute 254.
Referring to FIG. 10, the baffle 252 can be substantially vertical when in the
open position.
In the open position, the baffle 252 allows material 253 to pass to a spreader
or spinner disc
256 for selective spreading.
[0075) A lower portion 258 of the discharge chute 250 can be mounted at a
selected one
of four sets of mounting holes 260 for telescope adjustment thereof.
[0076) Refernng to FIGS. 7 and 15, the liquid storage system 104 is provided
for
storing liquid, such as anti-icing liquid, for example. 'The front and rear
ends 110, 11 l, the
first and second side walls 114, 115, the first and second common walls l 16,
117, the
bottom 122, and the intermediate base 124 define a liquid containment vessel
270. The
liquid containment vessel 270 is shown in cross-hatching 272 in FIG. 15. The
liquid
containment vessel 270 includes a pair of side sections 274, 275, which flank
the hopper
100, and an intermediate connecting section 278, which extends between the
side sections
274, 275 below the hopper 100 and the conveyor assembly 102. A sump area can
be fluidly
connected to the connecting section of the liquid containment vessel. The
liquid
containment vessel 270 is a unitized structure which allows the side sections
274, 275 and
the connecting section 278 to be fluidly connected to each other.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 6, the liquid containment vessel includes a fill port
280 for
filling the liquid containment vessel. The fill port 280 includes a removable
cover 282 that
can seal the fill port to prevent leakage therefrom. Referring to FIG. 22, a
valve 284 can be
connected to the fill port 280 to allow liquid to flow into the containment
vessel 270.
Liquid entering the containment vessel 270 can flow between the side sections
274, 275 via
the connecting section 278 and seek an equilibrium level.
[0078] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, each side section includes a plurality of
braces
290 having a series of holes 292 therein. The braces 290 can be provided to
inhibit the flow
of liquid stored in the liquid containment vessel 270 during acceleration and
deceleration of
the vehicle. Referring to FIG. 19, the braces 290 can be associated with a
mounting flange
294 for securing the braces to the bottom.
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
12
[0079] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 22, an agitation system 300 is provided to
maintain
any solids in the liquid stored in the liquid containment vessel 270 in
suspension. The
agitation system 300 can include a pump 302, operable by a suitable hydraulic
motor 303,
for example, housed in a plumbing cabinet 304 and suitable piping 305. A
portion of pipe
306 that is disposed in the storage and dispensing apparatus 56 and extends
across the width
of the unit extending between the first and second side sections of the
containment vessel
can include a plurality of holes in it, which open toward the bottom of the
unit.
(0080] The pump 302 can operate to circulate the fluid stored in the
containment vessel
270 to maintain the solids in suspension. Liquid can be drawn from the
containment vessel
to the pump from one or more locations. The liquid can be pumped to the liquid
containment vessel through the piping 305 and discharged through the holes,
thereby
creating agitation energy and mixing the liquid. The holes of the pipe can be
disposed about
between the bottom and the side facing the front end of the storage and
dispensing
apparatus. The agitation system 300 can be operated continuously and
independent of the
operation of the dispensing system.
[0081] Refernng to FIGS. 14 and 16, each brace 290 can be associated with a
channel
310 that has a pair of cutouts 3 l 2 therein. The channel 310 defines the
height of the
connecting section 278 of the liquid containment section. The channel can be a
formed
piece of sheet metal which runs the full width of the unit below the hopper.
The cutouts 312
can be disposed at the ends of the channel adjacent the side walls 114, 115 of
the unit. The
cutouts 312 extend to the bottom 122 for facilitating the cleaning of the
containment vessel.
[0082) Each brace 290 includes a side edge 318 that has a plurality of
recesses 320
which correspond to the V-crimps on the side wall that the brace is adjacent.
The recesses
are arranged to provide clearance, respectively, for the V-crimps.
[0083] The liquid containment vessel can include a clean-out passage at both
sides of
the rear end of the unit to aid in the cleaning or draining of the interior
thereof.
[0084] Referring to FIGS. 2, and 3, and 22, a liquid dispensing system 106 for
selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system 104 can be
provided. The
liquid dispensing system 106 can selectively dispense liquid from the liquid
containment
vessel. The liquid dispensing system 106 includes an anti-icing system 350 for
selectively
dispensing liquid from the vehicle and a pre-wetting system 352 for
selectively dispensing
liquid onto material being transported by the conveyor assembly 102 out of the
unit.
[0085] Refernng to FIGS. 16-18, the plumbing cabinet 304 is defined by the
cabinet
wall 120 and the rear end 111 of the storage and dispensing apparatus 56. The
plumbing
cabinet 304 can house a manifold assembly 358 and a plurality of pumps 302,
control
valves 361, lines 367, electronic devices 369, and other equipment associated
with operating
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
13
the anti-icing system and pre-wetting system of the dispensing system. The
liquid
dispensing system 106 can be mounted within the plumbing cabinet 304 with at
least a
portion thereof extending rearwardly from the cabinet wall of the unit. The
cabinet wall
120 can include one or more access panels 370, shown in phantom lines in FIG.
16, for
readily accessing the hydraulic components, valves, pumps, motors etc. housed
in the
plumbing cabinet 304.
[0086] In other embodiments, the cabinet for containing the plumbing parts can
be
located in other locations, such as, at the front of the unit or on top of, in
front of, or on the
truck frame sides, for example.
[0087) Referring to FIG. 2, the anti-icing system 350 of the liquid dispensing
system
106 includes a plurality of liquid dispensing elements. In the embodiment
shown in F1G. 2,
the illustrative anti-icing system 350 of the liquid dispensing system 106
includes a first and
a second nozzle assembly 380, 381. Each nozzle assembly 380, 381 is a mufti-
tiered
assembly including a plurality of pairs of spray nozzles 384. Each spray
nozzle 384 is
fluidly connected to the liquid storage system via the lines, motors, pumps,
etc. housed in
the plumbing cabinet. The anti-icing system 350 can include the anti-icing
pump 302,
which is operated by the hydraulic motor 303, a filter 386, and an anti-icing
liquid flow
meter 388. The first and second nozzle assemblies 380, 381 can be fluidly
connected to the
liquid storage system 104 via the manifold assembly 358 and appropriate
piping. A
supplemental port 389 can be provided to allow for rapid emptying of the
liquid
containment vessel 270, additional spray nozzles, or other auxiliary uses.
X0088) Each nozzle 384 can be a variable displacement orifice nozzle. The flow
of
liquid from the anti-icing nozzles can be varied by changing the size of the
orifice of each
nozzle. Each anti-icing nozzle can be selectively pivotable along at least two
perpendicular
axes. The nozzle assemblies 380, 381 can be operable to control the flow of
liquid from the
liquid storage system 104 to the anti-icing system 350 and to direct the
dispensing of the
liquid from the liquid storage system.
[0089) Each illustrative nozzle assembly 380, 38l includes six nozzles grouped
together
in three gangs of two. Each nozzle assembly includes an upper pair 390, a
lower pair 391,
and an intermediate pair 392 disposed between the upper and lower pairs 390,
391.
Referring to FIG. 1, each nozzle assembly includes a two-tiered mounting
bracket 394 for
supporting the nozzles and the plumbing lines and connectors associated
therewith. Each
bracket 394 includes a plurality of mounting holes 396 for receiving
fasteners, U-bolts, for
example, for mounting the nozzles and the plumbing.
X0090) Refernng to FIGS. 2 and 22, each nozzle assembly 380, 381 is fluidly
connected
to the liquid storage system 104 via one or more anti-icing lines 400, 401,
402. The anti-
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
14
icing lines 400, 401, 402 can be connected to the manifold assembly 358 for
selectively
controlling the flow of liquid to the anti-icing system 350.
[0091) An upper nozzle supply line 404 can branch from one of the anti-icing
lines 401
to fluidly connect both upper pairs 390 of the nozzle assemblies 380, 381 to
the manifold
assembly 358. A pair of U-bolts 406, for example, can mount the upper nozzle
supply line
404 to each mounting bracket. The nozzles of each upper pair 390 each include
an elbow
410 that extends from the upper nozzle supply line 404. The nozzles 384 of the
upper pairs
390 extend from their respective elbows 410. Each elbow is a 90°-style.
Each elbow is
rotatably mounted to the supply pipe about a first axis 412, as shown in FIG.
3. Each nozzle
384, in turn, is rotatably mounted to the elbow 410 from which it extends
about a second
axis 414, which can be perpendicular to the first axis 412. The first and
second axes 412,
414 are substantially horizontal and vertical, respectively.
[0092) The intermediate and the lower pairs 392, 391 of nozzles from each
nozzle
assembly 380, 381 can be fluidly connected to the liquid storage system 104
via the main
anti-icing lines 400, 402, respectively, through the manifold assembly 358 for
selectively
controlling the flow of liquid to the intermediate and Iower.pairs 392, 391 of
nozzles.
[0093] Refernng to FIGS. 3 and 22, the intermediate and the lower pairs 392,
391 of
each nozzle assembly extend from the main anti-icing lines 400, 402. U-bolts
400, for
example, can mount the piping of the intermediate and lower pairs 392, 391 of
nozzles to
the mounting bracket 394. The intermediate and lower pairs 392, 391 of nozzles
are fluidly
connected to the main anti-icing line 400, 402, respectively, by a branch Iine
430.
[0094] The intermediate and lower pairs 392, 391 of nozzles are rotatably
mounted to
the branch line 430. The nozzles 384 of each intermediate and lower pair each
include an
elbow 436 that extends from the branch line 430. The nozzles extend from their
respective
elbows. Each elbow is a 90°-style. Each elbow 436 is rotatably mounted
to the respective
branch line 430 about the first axis 412. Each nozzle 384, in turn, is
rotatably mounted to
the elbow 436 from which it extends about the second axis 414.
[0095] Referring to F1G. 22, a control valve can be associated with each set
of nozzles
to provide independent selective operation of each set of nozzles. In this
embodiment, three
control valves 361, 362, 363 can be provided. One control valve 362 can be
arranged with
the upper pairs 390 of nozzles of the first and second nozzle assemblies 380,
381. A second
valve 361 can be associated with the intermediate and lower pairs 392, 391 of
nozzles of the
first nozzle assembly 380. A third valve 363 can be associated with the
intermediate and
Iower pairs 392, 391 of nozzles of the second nozzle assembly 381.
[0096] The volume of liquid being dispensed by each nozzle can be selectively
adjusted.
The volume of liquid being dispensed can be correlated to the vehicle ground
speed to apply
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
a predetermined amount of liquid per mile, for example 15 gallons per lane
mile traveled by
the vehicle. The nozzle orifice can be spring-loaded so that as system
pressure rises, the
orifice enlarges to provide an increased opening area, thereby allowing for a
wider range of
liquid flow at a narrower supply pressure. The nozzles can be operated between
about 10
psi and about 100 psi, for example, and preferably between about 20 psi and
about 30 psi.
The nozzle sets can be adjusted to dispense liquid anywhere up to about SO
gallons per lane
mile, for example, and preferably between about 10 gallons per lane mile and
about 25
gallons per lane mile.
[0097] The six pairs of anti-icing nozzles can be selectively adjusted to
direct the
application of anti-icing liquid onto a surface, such as a roadway, for
example. Each anti-
icing nozzle can be independently adjusted. The six pairs of anti-icing
nozzles can be
adjusted to cover three 12-foot lanes of road, for example. The anti-icing
nozzles can be
adjusted about the first and second axes to direct the anti-icing liquid onto
the lanes of the
road. The speed of the vehicle and the lane in which the vehicle is driving
can affect the
spray pattern of anti-icing liquid from the anti-icing nozzles. The nozzles
can be adjusted to
compensate for such parameters to accurately apply anti-icing liquid onto the
roadway. The
anti-icing nozzles can be directed to discharge anti-icing liquid directly
behind the vehicle
and/or to the sides of the vehicle. The spray width of the anti-icing nozzles
can be adjusted
to meet varying road conditions.
[0098] For example, the upper pairs 390 of the first and second nozzle
assemblies 380,
381 can be directed toward each other such that the upper pairs 390 dispense
anti-icing
liquid substantially directly behind the vehicle, i.e., the lane in which the
vehicle is
positioned. The intermediate and lower pairs 392, 391 of the first nozzle
assembly 380 can
be adjusted such that they dispense anti-icing liquid to the left side of the
vehicle, i.e., in the
lane to the left of the lane in which the vehicle is positioned. The
intermediate and the
lower pairs 392, 391 of nozzles of the second nozzle assembly 381 can be
adjusted such that
they dispense anti-icing liquid to the right side of the vehicle, i.e., in the
lane to the right of
the lane in which the vehicle is positioned.
[0099] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 22, the pre-wetting system 352 can include a
plurality
of spray nozzles 440, a pre-wet liquid pump 442, which is driven by a pre-wet
hydraulic
motor 444, for example, and a pre-wet flow meter 446. Each spray nozzle 440 is
fluidly
connected to the liquid storage system 104 via appropriate piping. The nozzles
440 can be
operable to control the flow of liquid from the liquid storage system. The
nozzles 440 of
the pre-wetting system 352 can be selectively adjusted to discharge liquid
onto granular
material 253 dispensed from the conveyor assembly as it moves through the
discharge chute
250. Each pre-wet nozzle 440 can be a variable displacement orifice nozzle.
The flow of
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
16
liquid from the pre-wet nozzles 440 can be varied by changing the size of the
orifice of each
nozzle. The pre-wet spray nozzles 440 can be disposed within the discharge
chute 250 such
that they can spray granular material 2S3 as it moves therethrough to the
spreader disc 256.
[00100) In other embodiments, a separate reservoir 448 can be provided. The
pre-wet
spray nozzles 440 can be fluidly connected to the reservoir 448 with the pre-
wet pump 442
acting to pump pre-wetting liquid from the reservoir 448 out the pre-wet
nozzles 440.
[00101] The operator can control the flow of liquid from the storage system
104 to
provide two functional modes. In the first functional mode, the liquid
dispensed from the
pre-wet nozzles 440 can serve to "pre-wet" the granular material, such as
salt, for example,
as the material drops from the conveyor assembly through the discharge chute
2S0 to the
spreader 256. In the second functional mode, liquid can be routed to multiple,
variable
displacement anti-icing nozzles which can be controlled for directional
discharge onto a
surface, such as a roadway. The dispensing system can be configured such that
the flow of
liquid can occur simultaneously in both functional modes to provide for
simultaneous pre-
wetting and anti-icing operations or such that one of the functional modes is
operating and
the other mode is idle. A hydraulic control valve 4S0 can be provided to allow
for selective
driving of the pre-wet motor 444 and the anti-icing motor 303 to operate the
first and
second functional modes, respectively.
[00102] It will be understood that in other embodiments, the number and
arrangement of
nozzles of the liquid dispensing system can be varied. In other embodiments,
the pre-wet
and/or anti-icing nozzles can have a fixed-displacement orifice. In
embodiments where the
granular material is discharged from the front of the hopper, one or more
nozzles or other
liquid dispensing elements can be disposed at the front to provide a front
anti-icing spray
option. In other embodiments, the anti-icing nozzles can be located in other
Locations, such
as, underneath the chassis frame between the front and rear axle, for example.
[00103] As the liquid dispensing system 106 dispenses fluid from the
containment vessel,
the liquid in the vessel seeks a level interface line, adjusting to the new
volumetric amount
of liquid therein. The side sections and the connecting section of the
containment vessel are
fluidly connected to each other to help maintain the balance of the vehicle by
more evenly
distributing the weight associated with the liquid stored in the containment
vessel.
[00104) In other embodiments, the liquid dispensing system can include other
liquid
dispensing elements, such as, one or more spray booms or bars and/or one or
more hose
drops, either in lieu of, or in combination with, nozzles. The spray bar can
comprise a pipe
with a plurality of holes therein. The hose drop can be a simple hose of a
predetermined
length such that the end of the hose is near the surface to enhance the
delivery of the liquid
to the surface.
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
17
[00105) Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the operation and flow rate of the
nozzles of the
dispensing system can be monitored and controlled by the truck operator with
an electronic
control system 450 having a panel 452 disposed in the truck cab. The panel 452
can include
a plurality of controls 454 and a display screen 456, such as an LCD. 1n other
embodiments, a second LCD can be remotely connected to the panel and mounted
in the
cab to provide other operational performance data.
[00106] The control system 450 can permit very specific control of application
rates of
liquid, granular materials, or a combination thereof (3 in 1 control) based on
many
variables. The variables include air and road surface temperatures, rate and
form of
precipitation, the number of lanes to be treated, speed of the truck,
dispensing rate and spray
pattern of the liquid, the volume and spread pattern of the granular
materials, and direction
and velocity of the material, for example. The nozzles can be independently
controlled with
a corresponding plurality of valves which control the opening and closing of
each nozzle
based upon one or more selected parameters, such as ground speed, for
instance.
[00107) The electronic control system 450 can be used to control the
dispensing of liquid
and/or material such that the liquid and/or material is dispensed in a
rearward direction at
substantially the same speed as the vehicle is traveling in a forward
direction such that the
relative velocity between the liquid and/or material and the ground surface is
substantially
equal to zero to improve the accuracy of the placement of the liquid upon the
surface. The
zero velocity feature can operate to reduce the amount of splashing and/or
bouncing (or
other displacement) the discharged substance undergoes after contacting the
surface being
treated.
[00108) The storage and dispensing apparatus can be used to accurately place
materials
on the surface being treated, for example, the surface on a curved exit ramp.
Because in
such a situation the road usually is banked inwardly, it is often desired to
dispense the
material on the upper shoulder as gravity and the traffic flow will tend to
work the material
down across the road. The storage and dispensing apparatus allows for the
operator to
direct material to a predetermined location. The electronic control system 450
can include
an automated system which can be tied to a global positioning system (GPS),
for example,
useful to adjust the flow direction and/or rate of granular material and/or
fluid based on the
position of the vehicle detected by the GPS. The electronic control system can
also be
adapted to sense the tilt of the road and adjust the location of material
dispensing according
to a predetermined response to further enhance the precision placement
capabilities of the
storage and dispensing apparatus.
[00109) Refernng to F1G. 23, another embodiment of a vehicle 650 in accordance
with
the present invention is shown. The vehicle in FIG. 23 is a chassis-mount
version. The
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
18
vehicle 650 includes a chassis 652 and a storage and dispensing apparatus 656
mounted to
the chassis. In other embodiments, the storage and dispensing apparatus 656
can be
pivotally mounted to the chassis with a hoist arranged with the storage and
dispensing
apparatus for selective pivotal movement thereof.
[00110] The storage and dispensing apparatus 656 includes a hopper 700 for
storing
material, such as, a granular ice control material, for example, a conveyor
assembly 702 for
selectively transporting material from the hopper ?00, a liquid storage system
704 for
storing liquid, such as, an anti-icing liquid, for example, and a liquid
dispensing system 706
for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system.
[00111] The conveyor assembly 702 can include an endless chain conveyor 703
disposed
in the material hopper 700 and extending along the length of the storage and
dispensing
apparatus beyond the rear end 711 thereof. The rear end has an opening to
permit the
endless conveyor 703 to transport material therethrough. The illustrative
endless conveyor
703 can selectively transport material through the opening of the storage and
dispensing
apparatus out of the hopper.
[00112] The conveyor assembly 702 can be controlled in combination with a feed
gate
assembly 715, a spreader chute 850, and a spreader 856 to dispense material
from the
hopper of the storage and dispensing apparatus in a desired spread pattern.
The feed gate
assembly 715 can be mounted to the rear end of the storage and dispensing
apparatus and is
provided to selectively cover the opening therein, thereby providing a means
for adjustably
metering the flow of material through the opening. When spreading is desired,
the opening
can be selectively opened or closed by operation of the feed gate assembly
715. The
conveyor assembly 702 can transport material residing within the hopper 700
out of the
storage and dispensing apparatus, through the opening, thereby resulting in a
deposit of the
material through the chute 850 and into the spreader 856.
[00113] The spreader chute 850 is operably arranged with the conveyor assembly
702 to
receive material therefrom and to direct the material to the spreader 856. The
chute 850 is
mounted to the rear end of the storage and dispensing apparatus. The spreader
chute 850
includes a body 851 which defines a passageway 853. The chute 850 is
configured to direct
material from the endless conveyor 702 through the passageway 853.
[00114] The spreader disc 856 is provided to selectively spread material onto
a surface,
such as a roadway, for example. The spreader disc 856 can be adjustable to
vary the
resulting spread pattern of material. The spreader 856 is mounted to the
spreader chute 850.
The spreader disc 856 is cooperatively arranged with the spreader chute 850 to
selectively
receive materials directed through the passageway 853 of the chute from the
conveyor
assembly.
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
19
[00115] The liquid storage system 704 of the vehicle of FIG. 23 can be similar
in
construction and operation to the liquid storage system l 04 of the vehicle
shown in FIG. 1.
[00116] The liquid dispensing system 706 can be provided to selectively
dispense liquid
from the liquid storage system 704. The liquid dispensing system 706 includes
an anti-icing
system 950 for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system
and a pre-
wetting system 952 for selectively dispensing liquid onto material being
transported by the
endless conveyor 702 out of the hopper 700.
[00117] The liquid dispensing system 706 includes first and second manifolds
371, 373,
each having a plurality of first and second lines fluidly connected thereto.
The manifolds
371, 373 are fluidly connected to both the anti-icing system 950 and the pre-
wetting system
952. The manifolds 371, 373 are operable to control the flow of liquid from
the liquid
storage system 704 to the anti-icing system 950 and to the pre-wetting system
952.
[00118] The pre-wetting system 952 includes a plurality of variable
displacement nozzles
which are fluidly connected to the manifolds 371,373 via the first lines. The
pre-wet
nozzles are disposed within the spreader chute 850.
(00119) The anti-icing system 950 includes a plurality of variable
displacement nozzles
984 which are fluidly connected to the manifolds 371, 373 via the second
lines. The
variable displacement nozzles 984 are selectively movable. The anti-icing
system 950
includes a plurality of deflector plates 957 for selectively moving the
variable displacement
nozzles 984. The deflector plates 957 are pivotally mounted to the spreader
chute 850. A
plurality of deflector plate actuators 959 are connected between the deflector
plates 957 and
the spreader chute 850 for selective rotational movement of the deflector
plates 957. The
deflector plates 957 depend from the spreader chute 850, and the variable
displacement
nozzles 984 in turn depend from the deflector plates 957.
[00120] The manifolds 371, 373 can control the flow of liquid from the liquid
storage
system to provide two functional modes. The manifolds 371, 373 can selectively
dispense
liquid, anti-icing fluid, for example, to the injection nozzles located inside
the spreader
chute 850 for pre-wetting the material being dispensed by the conveyor
assembly 702 from
the hopper 700 and to the variable displacement spray nozzles 984 for
application onto a
surface, such as a roadway. In the first functional mode, liquid is routed to
one or more
nozzles inside the chute 850. The liquid dispensed from the nozzles, can serve
to "pre-wet"
the de-icing granular material, such as salt, for example, as the material
drops to the
spreader 856 disposed at the bottom of the chute 950. In the second functional
mode, liquid
is routed to multiple, variable displacement nozzles 984 which exhaust below
the spreader
856. These nozzles 984 can be controlled for directional discharge by their
attachment to
the deflector plates 957. The manifolds 371, 373 can be configured such that
the flow of
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
liquid can occur simultaneously in both functional modes to provide for
simultaneous pre-
wetting and anti-icing operations.
[00121] The vehicle 650 shown in FIG. 23 can be similar in other respects to
the vehicle
50 shown in FIG. I .
[00122] Referring to FIG. 24, another embodiment of a body 1052 and a pair of
liquid
storage tanks 1055, 1057 is shown. The body 1052 includes first and second
side walls
1086, 1087. The body 1052 includes first and second horizontal side braces
1071, 1073
extending respectively from the first and second side walls 1086, 1087 along
the
substantially the entire length of the body 1052 for stiffening the side
walls.
[00123] Each storage tank 1055, 1057 includes a top wall 1090, a bottom wall
1092, first
and second side walls 1094, 1095, and an inclined wall 1097. The illustrative
tanks are
configured to fit within the footprint of the body 1052, flanking the side
walls 1086, 1087 of
the body 1052. The inclined walls 1097 of the tanks 1055, 1057 substantially
conform to
the side walls 1086, 1087, respectively, which are disposed at an angle
preferably between
about 22° and about 60°, and even more preferably of about
45° with respect to a vertical
axis 1099.
(00124) Each inclined wall 1097 can includes a groove 1101. The grooves I 101
can
accommodate the horizontal braces 10? 1, 1073 of the body 1052. The first and
second
horizontal side braces 1071, 1073 allow for a nested arrangement between the
storage tanks
1055, 1057 and the body 1052. This nested arrangement can allow for a
predetermined
volume of anti-icing liquid to be stored according the chassis capabilities,
for example,
without sacr7ficing capacity for granular material in the body 1052.
[00125] The storage tanks can be connected together by a cross-pipe to fluidly
connect
the storage tanks together.
[OOIZ6] In other embodiments, the storage and dispensing apparatus can be
mounted to
other types of bodies, such as, conventional bodies, including flatbeds,
trailers, "hook-lifts."
etc., for example, which can have a hoist system. The storage and dispensing
apparatus can
be mounted via a conventional "hook" system, for example.
[00127] All references, including publications, patent applications, and
patents, cited
herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each
reference were
individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and
were set forth in
its entirety herein.
[00128] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in
the context
of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following
claims) are to be
construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise
indicated herein or
clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to
CA 02440266 2003-09-09
21
serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value
falling within
the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the
specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described
herein can be
performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly
contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary
language (e.g.,
"such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the
invention and does
not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed.
No language
in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element
as essential
to the practice of the invention.
(00129) Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein,
including the best
mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course,
variations of those
preferred embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art upon
reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such
variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be
practiced
otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention
includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims
appended hereto as
permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described
elements
in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless
otherwise indicated
herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
